Determination of antioxidant activity of extracts and fractions obtained from Galinsoga parviflora and Galinsoga quadriradiata, and a qualitative study of the most active fractions using TLC and HPLC methods.

Taking into account the role of reactive oxygen species in the development of inflammation, and the application of the plants of genus Galinsoga Ruiz & Pav. in folk medicines for inflammatory states, we investigated and compared the antioxidant activities of particular Galinsoga extracts and fractions. The compositions of the most active fractions were studied using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. The extracts and fractions from Galinsoga parviflora Cav. and Galinsoga quadriradiata Ruiz et Pav. possess dose-dependent free radical-scavenging ability against DPPH• and superoxide radicals, as well as inhibitory effects on linoleic acid peroxidation in a manner comparable to gallic acid. In the most active fractions, flavonoids, patulitrin, quercimeritrin, quercitagetrin and caffeoyl derivatives were detected. Our research demonstrates that the investigated herbs are an interesting source of preparations with significant antioxidant effects. Our results justify the use of both raw materials in inflammatory diseases, among others, due to their ability to prevent free radical-induced deleterious effects.